Changes to the lower third facial profile following mandibular sulcoplasty with free skin grafting

The lower third facial profile changes following anterior sulcoplasty with free skin grafting and bilateral mylohyoid ridge resection have been assessed. Nineteen patients were selected and were photographed prior to and at one month, 6 months and 1 year following surgery. The patients were photographed from an anterior and lateral position using a telecentric optics system designed to overcome geometric distortion. The patients were photographed both wearing and not wearing their complete dentures. Marked facial profile changes were found following surgery. There was a flattening of the labial mental fold and an increase in the bulk and prominence of the chin. The wearing of dentures enhanced this profile change. The changes were most marked in those patients in whom a larger labial sulcus extension was attempted.